 Food banks and food pantries play important roles to fight hunger. There are millions of people experiencing food insecurity and a food bank and a pantry continue to help these individuals. However, food banks and food pantries are often used interchangeably, but these are not the same.
What is the difference between a food bank and food pantry? Today, there are over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries in the US. However, it’s easy to get confused between the two. Don’t worry; in this post, we’ll discuss their differences to give you a clearer idea of what each one is and how you can help give back to the community! Food Bank A food bank is the “distributor,” or a centralized facility where food pantries can get their sources. It’s a non-profit organization that stores millions of pounds of food to be sent to local food programs. However, food banks come in various sizes. There are some that are huge, while some are on the smaller end. Either way, the food these banks store is donated by grocery stores, local neighbors, and restaurants. Furthermore, Feeding America connects food banks to a network of additional resources. So basically, food banks function like a warehouse because they can hold a lot of food compared to food pantries. Aside from the local community’s food donations, food banks also purchase food in bulk or wholesale prices. A food bank is a supply line that works through a network of food air partners and programs to distribute food to food pantries, soup kitchens, and many more. Food banks hire drivers to make the deliveries. Aside from delivering canned goods, food banks also provide perishable items. Also, they also offer other services to help clients, such as educational initiatives to break poverty and improve quality of life. Other programs include local farm partnerships and nonprofit grocery stores. Food banks may also provide additional resources through federally funded programs. Food Pantry So, what is a food pantry? This is one of the places where food from the food bank goes. Every week, a food pantry feeds hundreds of people. However, every community is different; therefore, food pantries also vary in size. Usually, you will find a food pantry inside a school because it makes it easier for kids and their families to get food. There are also mobile food pantries that go around local communities with pre-packed boxes of food. These mobile food pantries help make food more accessible to those who are in need. One way to tell the difference between a food bank and food pantry is that only one feed people directly, and that is a food pantry. It is also the responsibility of food pantries to seek and help local individuals and families receive food. Food banks and food pantries are integral components to fight against hunger. The good thing is that there are so many ways you can give back to your community. You can volunteer at a local organization or even donate.
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 Food banks continue to help address food insecurity across the US and other parts of the world. But wait, what is it? A food bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who can’t fend for themselves. The effort helps fight hunger.
Now, the question is, how much can a food bank hold? It depends. Find out more below. The Operational Models Globally, there are thousands of operating food banks but not all of them are the same. One of the things that set food banks apart is the operational model. A food bank that operates on the front line model gives food directly to people, while the warehouse model supplies food to intermediaries, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and other front-line organizations. The warehouse model can typically hold a lot of food. So, based on government data, the average warehouse is 16,400 square feet. A warehouse that size can store enough food. In the US, Australia, and some parts of Canada, the standard model for food banks acts as a warehouse. Furthermore, it is common for cities to have a single food bank that acts as a centralized warehouse that serves hundred front-line agencies in the US. Therefore, this type of food bank will work similarly to a for-profit food distributor, but in this case, it distributed food to non-food retailers but to charities. A Bigger Capacity In the Works In June 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that they will invest up to $1 billion, including $500 million in American Rescue Plan funding, in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The funds can help support and expand food banks and local organizations to serve their communities. Due to the global pandemic, the USDA carries a stronger belief that the food system’s future should be fair, distributed, competitive, and resilient. This investment is the first part of their new initiative called Build Back Better. “Hunger is on the decline, thanks to aggressive action by the Biden-Harris Administration, but we must do more to improve partnerships and infrastructure that power emergency food distribution to ensure the food provided is nutritious and supports a better food system,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Up to $100 million will go to infrastructure grants to build capacity for food banks and expand their reach. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will launch a new program to help food assistance organizations meet TEFAP requirements while strengthening infrastructure and expanding their reach. With this, how much a food bank can hold will grow due to the incoming investments in infrastructure. More Than Filling Bellies The future is bright for food banks and this is because of how positively they’re evolving over the years. With a huge investment on its way, food banks also have proven that they’re not there only to feed the hungry, but also to provide nourishment that results in healthier communities. Food banks are vital in addressing community health disparities through foods and other services they provide. Today, food banks are working to distribute more fresh fruits and vegetables to communities they serve. You don’t need to worry about their capacity or how much food they can hold because they don’t stock all the foods there. There is an ongoing distribution that leaves food banks with enough space to collect and receive donations daily. In the state of California, the COVID-19 crisis has changed the reality of emergency food assistance in the state. Last year, they launched Food Bank Capacity: $150M One-Time, which will make a long-term impact to improve the most crucial parts of the emergency food system. It will enable food banks and local partners to acquire and distribute more California-grown healthy produce and protein. Additionally, they aim to purchase refrigerated trucks to receive and distribute food, cold storage to keep food fresh, and technology for modern inventory systems. How You Can Help Are you thinking of donating to a food bank? That’s great! Non-perishable goods are highly recommended, but you also might want to consider donating cash instead. Why? Your money can do more than a couple of boxes of non-perishable items. How is that possible? Food banks work with grocers and manufacturers, which means they can acquire food much cheaper than you would pay at a grocery store. In fact, according to Feeding America, every dollar donated can secure and distribute 12 pounds of food, which is roughly around ten meals! Another thing you can do is plan a monthly donation. Monthly and quarterly recurring donations help charities maintain a steady stream of revenue throughout the year. Moreover, it also helps them plan well for the coming months because they know they can work with something every month. Remember, your donation doesn’t have to be big—in fact, small amounts can go a long way. In case you don’t have enough cash to buy groceries or donate, you can consider volunteering instead if you really want to help. Giving them a bit of your time will be helpful. A lot of organizations need additional volunteers to fill in for those who can’t serve, especially in a global pandemic. Many volunteers who have health concerns have been ordered to stay at home, which is why there is an increase in the demand for volunteers these years. There are also some virtual positions available that you might be interested in, which usually include writing notes, making calls to thank donors, and a lot more. Remember, it doesn’t take a lot of your time and money to make a difference. Food banks will continue to evolve and help a significant number of people. Today, it’s not feeding hungry bellies, but food banks help promote healthier communities. With that, by finding ways to help, such as familiarizing yourself with how it works, how you can help, and many more, you’ll be able to contribute significantly and help a lot of people. As mentioned, small steps will go a long way.  Do you wonder how Second Harvest food banks keep track of the donations they receive? The organization was established to acquire and distribute donated and purchased foods. Its policy is to recognize the food flow through the organization as in-kind contributions. Therefore, their inventory shouldn’t be sold or pledged as security for debt.
The inventory and food distribution fall under three categories:
How They Keep Track of Donations Keeping track of donations that go to food banks can be a complex matter. The tracking of the donations depends on several factors, especially that food banks are required to undergo an annual audit by an independent accountant. All donations are recorded the moment they’re received. They are recorded on the books at fair value. Since food banks also receive money, it’s essential to have a separate revenue account but the expense side of the transaction must be recorded in its functional expense account. Even if these donations don’t have a net impact on the financial books, it will still impact the organization’s total revenue and expenses. What Happens With Improper Record-Keeping Failure to keep track of in-kind donations may have the organization suffer legally and could incur penalties. There is also deception that has been going around in various organizations in which many were caught inflating their numbers to make them look more successful than they are, while others hide administrative costs to justify wasteful spending. Fortunately, you can trust that Second Harvest complies with the regulations and laws, and ensures proper record-keeping is observed. Second Harvest food banks in various areas also publish their audits online for transparency. In turn, people trust the organization more, which is also why it is one of the most reputable food bank organizations today. Aside from the financial statements, recording all in-kind contributions improve management. It helps with inventory and workflow. Moreover, it also ensures that the food bank is well-stocked and everyone who needs food will be able to get from the food bank. Second Harvest and Their Food Second Harvest distribute foods that families need to achieve balanced nutrition. They handle fresh products, dairy, meat, and non-perishable ones. Food donations here are given by food manufacturers, retailers, food drives, restaurants, the federal government, Feeding America, wholesale, and the national organization. They are also able to buy food using the donated funds to ensure there’s a consistent supply of foods to make complete meals for families in need. As mentioned, you can also give money and you can guarantee that the money will go directly to the people who need it the most. In fact, 96% of funds donated to the organization goes directly to providing food for families, and the 4% goes to administrative or fundraising expenses. Final Thoughts Second Harvest follows strict record-keeping of foods they receive from various sources. They are audited and the record helps them improve their management and ensure that there’s a consistent amount of food supply to sustain families who need it.  A growing number of people in the US are turning to food banks for food.Fortunately, there are over 200 food banks that can help.
Feeding America has a network of food banks around the country that provides over three billion meals to almost every community. The Good Shepherd Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, is the largest hunger-relief organization. However, the question is, how do food banks really work? In this post, we will discuss how food banks work and why the hunger rate in the US is stagnant despite the number of food banks and pantries in the country. What is a Food Bank To know how food banks work, it’s essential to understand first what a food bank is. A food bank is a distribution facility that stores, repackage, and distributes donated food to member organizations and charities. Food banks acquire food from various sources, national and local ones, and food drives and individual donations are also accepted. The Distribution Process Local charities, soup kitchens, and other facilities often turn to food banks to get their source of nutritious foods. Food banks provide various distribution methods. However, they also have a list of member organizations that receive food regularly. Moreover, they have a warehouse packed with goods that are available for pick up or delivery. Do note that not all organizations can be a member. An organization needs to meet specific criteria to become eligible to receive food from a food bank, such as:
How it Works Now that you know how food bank works in terms of the collection, packaging, and distribution, what happens next? People can come straight to a food bank and they will be able to leave with a bag of food. You need to remember that these food banks are private organizations in which most of their funding comes from individuals. Food Bank vs. Food Pantry Many people confuse the two and think that the two are the same. No, they’re not the same. A food bank is an organization that collects from the roof industry, food drives, and then stores it and distributes it to agencies. With this type of organization, it can distribute to millions of people. Food banks work directly with agencies to make it easier for them to acquire nutrition foods. On the other hand, a food pantry is an individual site that distributes bags or boxes of food directly to people in need in a specific area. It is a member agency that acquires food from a food bank. How to Help a Food Bank It’s likely there’s a food bank near you and the good news? You can help! What you can do is to donate money to national food banks or you can give to a food bank in your area. Another thing you can do is to support businesses that donate to food banks. If you’re up for it, you can also conduct food drives with your family and friends to support food-related charities in your area. There are a lot of ways you can help food banks today. On the holidays, you can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or go on area missions. However, you need to remember that food banks don’t only need your help during the busy times of the year—they need help every day. You can also find some other tasks you can help with, such as running a forklift, keeping the accounting books, building a website, and many more. Check out what kind of help your local food bank needs, and from there, you can help in your own way. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, there are drop-off bins to get you started. Also, you can gather a box of emergency food for your family and keep it safe and make up another box where you can donate it. In case you want to donate food, here are some of the best foods to give:
Food Banks & Hunger Sure, food banks are helpful, but why is hunger not eliminated fully yet, specifically in the country? This is because of one thing—poverty. Despite hunger being addressed by food banks, other factors contribute to hunger, such as housing, health care, and wages. If you think about it, the root cause of hunger is mainly poverty and in the food bank community, the support for the issues like healthcare, wages, and housing remains to be controversial, with many people prefer to deliver free food. Due to the lack of support provides by food banks, it has reduces its impact, which is why there remains to be stagnancy in food insecurity rates. It’s true that food banks have fed so many mouths, yet they failed to move the needed. Therefore, many people seek that food banks address the issues that drive hunger as well to improve the percentage and lessen the number of hungry mouths to feed in the US significantly. Final Thoughts Now that you know how food banks work, how do you choose to help? There are many ways to help fight hunger, as well as controversies surrounding food banks. Still, it doesn’t hurt to help in ways that you can to help many people in need, especially at a difficult time like this. Even if you don’t have the time to volunteer, there are so many ways you can help food banks today. You can contact your local food bank or food pantry to find out how you can help. Or you can also go grocery shopping for healthy and nutritious foods to donate. Be one of the people responsible for ending hunger today.  The Truth about the Best By Dates on FoodYou probably have noticed the dates on foods, such as “sell-by,”best-by,” and “use-by,” and all of these can be confusing! In this post, we’ll talk about their meanings to help you make the right decision when buying non-perishable foods, especially when you’re donating them to food banks. “Sell-by” Date This is aimed at the retailer that guides them when they should rotate product off the shelves. “Best if used by” Date This indicated the quality of the food. Therefore, don’t panic if you missed the “best by” date—you can still consume it after. “Use-by” date This is the last day the manufacturer recommends consuming the product based on quality. Again, it has nothing to do with safety. Now, you might be wondering how long your food will last if it goes past the expiration date. The answer to that is: it depends. It depends on what it is and how it was handled. The USDA recommends using products that have the use-by date by that time. On the other hand, for sell-by dates that go past, you can still store it for a short period depending on what it is. As for their nutritional value, it still depends. For example, a cup of orange juice can provide you with a full day of vitamin C, but if it’s been open for a week, it will lose its antioxidant benefits due to light and air exposure. With that, some foods do really lose their nutrients when they’re exposed to air, and they may lose a bit more when you cook them. That’s why it’s vital you consume your fruits and vegetables as soon as you buy them. Food Safety & the Best-By DateAgain, the best-by date talks about the quality. So, if you’re unsure about the safety of your food, the best thing to use here is your nose.
The smell of a food can say a lot about the freshness of the food; therefore, it’s your go-to “tool” when buying non-perishable foods. If there’s a sour smell, then it’s probably bad; so, skip it. It’s also a good idea to have a good labeling system if you will store these items at home. That way, you will be able to tell which products should go first; at the same time, you can follow easily the “first in, first-out” basis. Final Thoughts Bets-by dates are about the quality of the food, not their safety. So, it’s not a reliable basis when it comes to food safety. Still, it’s important you know that the best-by dates don’t say much about the safety of the food, so you shouldn’t put one back on the shelf if you see it’s already past the best-by date. This is because you can still consume and use it. Knowing what best-by date truly means will help you shop more efficiently and make your pantry even more organized. It is also helpful when you’re donating foods to food banks and other charities.  Non-perishable foods are those with long shelf life, which is why they’re most popular in food banks. However, it’s essential you know exactly the right non-perishable foods to give to food banks. What are the best non-perishable foods you can purchase for families that rely on food banks? We will discuss them here.
What is Considered Non-Perishable? Non-perishable foods are the ones that can stay safe to consume for a long period without refrigeration. Some can last a few weeks to months on the shelf, while others can last for months. Military MREs and freeze-dried food can last up to 10 to 20 years. What You Need to Know About Non-Perishable Foods This type of food doesn’t need refrigeration. However, they need to be kept cool and dry at all times. If you see the food in a shelf at the store, then it’s also safe to have it on the shelf of your home. They need to be kept off the floor to allow for air circulation. Remember, the number one enemy of non-perishable foods is air. So, you can consider using vacuum-sealed containers to extend their shelf life. When buying canned foods, begin with the “best by” date. Of course, you shouldn’t get the ones with obvious signs of spoilage. 1. Canned Soup Canned soup is the go-to food for many people who don’t have access to fresh food for whatever reason. With that, canned soups are the best choice because they’re healthy and comes in various flavors. However, make sure you choose low-sodium soups that are not cream-based. Why? Although there’s really nothing wrong with cream-based soups, the problem is that creamier soups tend to have higher fat content and have more calories per serving compared to clear broth-based soups. Stick to low-fat soups that have no more than 3 grams of fat per serving. Low-sodium soups should only have 360 milligrams or less sodium per serving. Also, be mindful of added sugars! Look for soups with no or low sugar, which is four grams or less. It’s a good idea to scan labels for sodium levels and added sugar. Most major brands have their nutrition facts for their products on their website. Today, you can find plant-based soups to get a lot of nutrients. 2. Canned Fish or Meats Most canned meats and fish are actually healthy due to their high protein content and rich omega-3 fatty acids. However, similar to canned soup, you need to read what’s on the label. For one, oily fish, such as anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, are the highest sources of omega-3s. What’s best about them is that you can find them at a grocery store! Also, these canned foods are not really loaded with preservatives. The truth is, canned foods don’t need preservatives because the heating and vacuum seal processes make these canned foods safe to eat and shelf-stable. However, salt, sugar, and added flavors may be added to improve the flavor that is lost because of the heating process. 3. Canned Vegetables and Fruits These are two of the best non-perishable foods you can donate to a food bank. There is also a wide variety of these in grocery stores, which means that you can choose from many choices. You don’t need to worry so much about their nutritional content because most of them have the same amount of nutrients as fresh and frozen products. In fact, you will even find some canned foods that have more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh options. They are also more affordable, which means you can get as many as possible to donate to food banks. Finally, canned fruits and vegetables are safe because they can use high levels of heat to preserve the food. In turn, this helps prevent the growth of pathogens often caused by food-borne illnesses. Another thing you need to remember is that canned vegetables and fruits are processed within hours of harvest; therefore, this makes them healthy and great tasting as well. When it comes to canned fruits, it’s best to store them in their own juice versus syrup because they’re lower in calories. You can also find canned vegetables with no salt added that are highly available in the market for you. 4. Pasta Pasta and other noodles are some of the best non-perishable items as well. What makes it a good choice for food banks is that it’s the perfect foundation for a healthy, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Moreover, it’s easy to partner it with other foods, such as fish and vegetables. Pasta is widely available today and it’s a great source of glucose, which is necessary to fuel the muscles and brain. In addition to that, it’s an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which means it can release energy at a slow and sustained level. It is also rich in folic acid, which is essential for women. Finally, pasta is a good part of a well-balanced diet. 5. Peanut Butter (and other nut butters) When it comes to spreads, peanut butter tops the list, which is also why it’s one of the best non-perishable foods you can donate to food banks today. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s actually unprocessed food. Basically, it’s only peanuts that are ground until they turn into a paste. But yes, some peanut butter sold commercially contains added sugars and even trans fat. One of the best things about peanut butter is that it’s an excellent protein source because it belongs to the legume family. It is comprised of at least 25% protein. Next, it’s low in carbs as it only contains 20% carbs, which is perfect if you follow a low-carb diet. Finally, peanut butter and other nut butter are high in healthy fats and its rich in vitamins and minerals. Shop for the Best Non-Perishable Foods Today If you’re planning to donate to food banks, these four non-perishable foods are the best ones to donate. They’re healthy, convenient, and they’re widely available.  Summer Safety TipsSpring has fully arrived in the Greater Valley area, and thoughts are inevitably turning to the summer of 2021. After such a chaotic year, it’s no surprise that people are ready to return to the outdoors and have some much-needed fun in the sun. By now, you’re probably well aware of the passion that we at Second Harvest have for helping our communities thrive, so with that in mind, we wanted to give you some tips on how you can make the most of the next few months! Here’s a list of our 5 tips to having a happy, healthy, and, of course, safe summer 2021. Spend Time Outdoors With the mercury on the rise, there’s no doubt that beautiful summer weather is just around the corner. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who just enjoys relaxing in nature, there’s no better time to start some healthy exercise habits. Fresh air and sunshine alone are enough to get your body on the right track, but it’s also the perfect time to try and elevate that heart rate with some light cardio. Bottom line: After a lethargic year of indoor confinement and isolation, it’s time to reclaim the outdoors again! Eat Healthy A topic that is near and dear to everyone involved with Second Harvest of the Greater Valley - you might even say it’s our raison d’etre. Maintaining a nutritious diet is at the core of living a happy and healthy life, with the food we eat having an impact on everything from immune function to mental health. Summer brings with it an array of delicious, seasonal produce, so be sure to take advantage of these sustainable options! Socialize (Safely!) If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of good old-fashioned face-to-face connection. Over a year of isolation can leave even the most introverted of bookworms craving some social contact, so If you’re feeling the urge to go out and congregate, you’re definitely not alone. We’re social creatures, so maintaining a connection with family, friends, and even the occasional community volunteer can make a big difference for your overall health! Follow Public Health Guidelines This should go without saying after the merry-go-round of lockdowns that have occurred over the last year, but we’ll repeat it just in case: Follow public health guidelines! While the vaccine rollout has helped curb the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s still important to recognize that the situation is evolving in real-time. As much as you may want to return to your pre-pandemic lifestyle, there are still public health guidelines that you need to follow to stay safe. And remember, public health protocols work best when we all do our part! Give Back to Your Community Now, more than ever, is the time to give back to your community. With the pandemic wreaking financial havoc on businesses of all sizes, nonprofits and charities are feeling it worst of all. Donations are always a welcome contribution to community initiatives, but there are many other ways you can help give back this summer. In the charitable mood and looking for a way to give back? Visit our website to learn more about Second Harvest’s volunteer, donor, and partnership programs! The Mywalgreens donation programWe’re participating in the myWalgreens donation program! You can donate your myWalgreens cash rewards to Second Harvest of the Greater Valley thru 08/31/21. At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. It’s that easy. Whether you’d like to contribute $1, $5, or more of your Walgreens Cash rewards you’ll be making a big difference. It really adds up!  Disclaimer
*Walgreens Cash rewards can be redeemed as a donation to designated charities as shown in your myWalgreensTM account in app or on Walgreens.com. Once Walgreens Cash rewards are redeemed for a donation, the exchange is not reversible and cannot be canceled once submitted. Donation is not tax deductible, and additional terms and conditions may apply. Walgreens reserves the right to change the charities that are eligible to participate at any time without notice  As we approach the midway mark of 2021, it’s encouraging to see the progress that’s being made in the management of the COVID-19 crisis. After a year of isolation, doubt, and fear, getting plugged back into our communities is a welcome change. With that said, it’s important to remember that the persistent issue of undernourishment has not taken a break during the pandemic.
At Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, we’re still as dedicated as ever to providing nutritious food to those in need. We’re hard at work with volunteers, donors, and community members to ensure that income is not a barrier to a healthy diet. Unfortunately, in an area as big as the Greater Valley, transportation and accessibility can be just as big of a barrier to food security as income. Mobile Fresh Pickup In typical Second Harvest fashion, our amazing members and donors are partnering with community centers, local establishments, and places of worship to make our food even more accessible! All across the Greater Valley, Second Harvest (and our flashy new logo) is making a concerted effort to show up where we’re needed most. It’s hard enough to grapple with the issue of food insecurity without factoring in the time, expense, and unfamiliarity that can come with traveling to a foodbank outside of your community. By extending mobile fresh pickup hours to evenings and weekends, people with work and caretaking obligations are still able to access a wide range of healthy food options in a location that’s more, well, local. Extended Evening and Weekend Hours Starting May 10th, the Second Harvest team is going to be working overtime to ensure that communities across the Greater Valley are getting the nourishment they need. For information on the exact dates, locations, and times of our extended pickup hours for the month of May, click here and scroll to the calendar at the bottom of the page! Thank You to All Our Amazing Partner Establishments! All of us here at Second Harvest of the Greater Valley would like to take a few moments to thank all of the partner establishments that are making the extended programming possible this month:
 List of Non Perishable for Food Banks - Food DonationsWhen looking for food donations for food banks, non-perishable ones are an excellent choice. Just like what you would usually stock your pantry with, this type of food is highly recommended by food banks because they’re convenient, has a long shelf life, and easy to consume. Some foods can last for a few weeks to months, while others can even last for years. Moreover, they don’t require refrigeration but must be kept cool and dry. Non-perishable items are also essential in emergency situations, which is why they’re favored by many charitable organizations. Although some items like macaroni and cheese are packed with preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients, there are still non-perishable items that are available today. Knowing what types of non-perishable items that are beneficial to food banks will make your donations matter more. So, don’t just grab anything—check if they can help feed families and improve their health as well. What are non-perishable foods you can get for food donations?
Some of the healthiest non-perishable food items are dried and canned beans, nut butters, grains, and many more. It’s important to note that food banks can purchase fresh meats, eggs, butter, bread, fruits, and vegetables to include in their food bags. They will also mix these foods with non-perishable items to help families get by for a week or even more. The good news is, there are now many non-perishable items you can get today. A rule of thumb when making food donations is to ensure that you’re getting nutritious ones. Even though some foods are canned doesn’t mean they’re not nutritious. In fact, you will be surprised that some are even more nutritious than fresh ones. With that, it’s essential to read what’s on the label because only then will you be able to know if you’re getting the good stuff. Consider the families that will eat the foods; most of them are out of jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. It’s likely that they’re not able to consume enough nutrients, while others don’t get to eat at all. Therefore, providing nutritious foods will help them build their health for the better. It’s also a good idea to check with your local food bank what they need as well, so you get to shop for foods that people will be able to use at that time. So, next time you see a local food bank and you’re thinking of what to give, non-perishable items are an excellent option. We have shared some of the healthiest non-perishable food items you can donate at food banks in this post. Make sure only to donate healthy ones to ensure that you’re giving the best to families and individuals who are in need of them the most. Non-perishable items can last long without spoiling and are important in various situations. |
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Copyright © 2021 Second Harvest of the Great Valley. All rights reserved.
Photos associated with client stories feature the actual person or agency referenced. Other images are for illustrative purposes only.
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number 68-0376587
Photos associated with client stories feature the actual person or agency referenced. Other images are for illustrative purposes only.
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number 68-0376587